Federal prosecutors sent legal requests, called subpoenas, to several officials in Minnesota as part of an immigration-focused investigation. In Ukraine, around one million homes in Kyiv are without electricity due to recent attacks from Russia. In Australia, lawmakers have introduced new laws to control hate speech and gun use after a recent shooting incident.
Key Facts
Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas to five Minnesota officials related to immigration enforcement.
These subpoenas are part of broader immigration enforcement efforts.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported that one million homes in Kyiv lack power following Russian attacks.
The attacks in Ukraine have led to significant power outages affecting many residents.
Australia passed new laws targeting hate speech and gun control.
The new Australian laws are a response to a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration that resulted in 15 deaths.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe will not be scared by President Trump's threats of tariffs regarding Greenland. Macron made this statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, aiming to protect European interests.
Key Facts
President Macron attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
He spoke about President Trump's threats to impose tariffs concerning Greenland.
Macron stated that Europe will not be intimidated by these threats.
Macron emphasized defending European Union (EU) interests.
He was wearing sunglasses indoors due to an eye injury.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the old world order will not return and urged middle powers to work together at the World Economic Forum. Carney criticized the economic tactics used by bigger countries and affirmed Canada's support for Greenland and NATO. He also mentioned how Canada needs to build new alliances and partnerships on shared values and interests.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
He said the "old order is not coming back" and urged middle powers to unite.
Carney criticized powerful nations for using economic pressure to achieve their goals.
He confirmed Canada's support for Greenland, Denmark, and the NATO alliance.
Carney did not name President Trump, but some of his comments seemed directed at US policies.
Carney highlighted Canada's efforts to engage with other countries through new partnerships.
He mentioned recent trade and investment deals with China and Qatar.
Carney emphasized the importance of building alliances based on shared values and interests.
President Donald Trump has announced potential tariffs on seven European Union countries and the United Kingdom due to their opposition to his idea of taking control of Greenland. European leaders are now thinking about how to respond to this situation.
Key Facts
President Trump has proposed tariffs on EU countries and the UK.
The reason for the tariff threat is their resistance to Trump's Greenland plans.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
EU leaders are discussing possible responses to the tariff threats.
The tariffs could impact economic and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Europe.
Experts involved in the discussion include Rebecca Christie, Ben Aris, and Pieter Cleppe.
The U.S. Special Envoy for Syria stated that the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as the main force against ISIS is ending as the Syrian government can now handle security. Syria has joined an international coalition to defeat ISIS, and the country's government is working to integrate the Kurdish population. A ceasefire has been agreed between the Syrian army and the SDF after recent clashes.
Key Facts
The U.S. envoy said the SDF's role as the main anti-ISIS force is nearing an end.
Syria's government is ready to take over security duties and manage ISIS detention sites.
Syria joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 90th member in late 2025.
Syrian government announced Kurdish citizenship rights and language protection.
A four-day ceasefire between the Syrian army and the SDF has been agreed upon.
There are 900 U.S. troops still in areas controlled by the SDF.
Recent clashes occurred in al-Shaddadi, but a ceasefire has been announced.
The Syrian army and the SDF have confirmed their commitment to the ceasefire deal.
Actor Timothy Busfield has been released from jail as he awaits trial for child sex abuse charges related to his work on a TV show. A judge decided Busfield could leave jail and would be under supervision in New Mexico. Busfield denies the charges, which involve accusations of inappropriate behavior with a minor.
Key Facts
Timothy Busfield is an actor known for roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams.
He faces child sex abuse charges related to his work on the TV show The Cleaning Lady.
A judge allowed Busfield to leave jail on his own recognizance.
While awaiting trial, Busfield will be supervised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Busfield is allowed to travel to his home outside of New Mexico.
Families in Gaza are searching for their loved ones by digging through rubble. The report focuses on a man searching for his deceased family members. The situation in Gaza is distressing, with challenging conditions for those affected.
Key Facts
Families in Gaza are using their hands to dig through rubble.
The search is for loved ones who have died.
A specific report highlights one man's search for his family.
The visuals from the report are described as disturbing.
The situation in Gaza is difficult and emotional for residents.
U.S. forces took control of a seventh oil tanker linked to Venezuela, as part of the Trump administration's plan to manage the country's oil resources. The tanker, named the Motor Vessel Sagitta, was caught in violation of President Trump's sanctions in the Caribbean. The U.S. aims to use these actions to help rebuild Venezuela's oil industry and boost its economy.
Key Facts
U.S. forces took control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker, Sagitta.
The tanker was linked to Venezuela and violated U.S. sanctions.
The seizure is part of President Trump's strategy to control Venezuelan oil.
The U.S. Southern Command announced the apprehension of the tanker.
The tanker had been sanctioned due to an order related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump plans to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's oil industry to restore it.
The U.S. has taken 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela to sell globally.
This effort is part of broader attempts to lower oil prices and support Venezuela's economy.
A new book called "Miracle Children" reveals how a private school in Louisiana gained attention for sending many students to top universities like Harvard and Yale. The book claims the school's success was based on falsehoods and intimidation.
Key Facts
The school is located in a poor Black community in Louisiana.
It sent many students to top universities, gaining national attention.
A book titled "Miracle Children" discusses this school's history.
The authors of the book are Katie Benner and Erica Green.
The book claims the school's success involved lies and threats.
Mexico sent 37 members of drug cartels to the United States as part of an effort to help combat drug trafficking. This move is part of ongoing cooperation between Mexico and the U.S., led by President Trump, to address criminal activities linked to cartels. This transfer marks the third in under a year, with a total of 92 individuals transferred so far.
Key Facts
Mexico sent 37 cartel members to the U.S. on Tuesday.
This is the third transfer from Mexico to the U.S. in less than a year.
A total of 92 cartel members have been transferred in these operations.
The transfer included members from several major cartels.
The transferred individuals have pending cases in the U.S.
Among those transferred is a woman charged with supporting a terrorist organization.
President Trump has shown interest in taking strong actions against cartels in Mexico.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum reassured that the country will continue to work with the U.S. on this issue.
A winter storm named Fern is expected to bring significant snow and ice to the Southern Plains through the Mid-Atlantic region. Meteorologists warn that the storm could cause major disruptions, including power outages and travel issues in several cities. People in the storm's path are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Key Facts
Winter Storm Fern is forecasted to affect areas from the Southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic starting Thursday night.
The storm could bring large amounts of ice, which are expected to create travel problems and lead to power outages.
Cities that might be hardest hit include Dallas, Texas; Shreveport, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Meteorologists suggest preparing much like for a hurricane, with supplies such as food, water, and warm clothes.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in several regions.
The storm may cause ice to accumulate over one inch, which can lead to fallen trees and damaged power lines.
Parts of Arkansas could see over a foot of snow, and northern Texas could get up to 7 inches of snow.
Freezing temperatures will follow the storm, potentially worsening the impact by freezing the ice in place for days.
A high-speed train crash in southern Spain has resulted in at least 42 deaths, marking the country's worst rail accident in over ten years. Investigators are examining possible causes, including issues with the train and track deformation, and Spain's government is exploring various reasons behind this incident. Officials have ruled out human error and sabotage, while investigations continue focusing on the rail system.
Key Facts
At least 42 people died in a train crash in southern Spain.
The train derailed while traveling north from Málaga and collided with another train.
Spain's rail investigatory commission is looking into why the train derailed.
The Spanish government described the accident as "extremely strange."
The high-speed rail network in Spain began in 1992, modernizing the country's transportation system.
The train was owned by the Italian company Iryo and manufactured in 2022.
Investigators are examining both the train and track at the crash site.
Technical issues on the rail line had been noted over the past year by Adif, the rail infrastructure administrator.
A recent poll shows most Americans, including many who voted for President Trump, do not support using military force to take control of Greenland. President Trump has suggested that acquiring Greenland is important for U.S. security against threats like Russia and China. The idea of using military force is unpopular both in the U.S. and internationally, with many preferring instead to consider purchasing the territory.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland due to national security concerns.
Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark.
A YouGov and The Economist poll shows 72% of Americans oppose using military force to take Greenland.
54% of Trump voters in the 2024 election oppose using military force to acquire Greenland.
61% of Trump voters support the idea of purchasing Greenland rather than taking it by force.
A CBS News poll found 86% of Americans overall oppose military action against Greenland.
Calls to acquire Greenland have been rejected by European leaders and Greenland officials.
U.S. discussions about Greenland have strained relations with European allies at the World Economic Forum.
Several Republicans have given their opinions on President Trump's remarks about possibly taking control of Greenland. Some have criticized him, with a few Republicans suggesting impeachment, while others support his Arctic policy. The White House has not dismissed the idea of using military force, raising concerns about NATO relations.
Key Facts
President Trump has recently talked about acquiring Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark.
Greenland hosts a U.S. military base, which Trump considers important for U.S. security.
Republicans are divided, with some criticizing Trump’s approach and others supporting it.
Representative Don Bacon mentioned Trump's actions regarding Greenland might lead to impeachment efforts.
Senator Mitch McConnell questioned the necessity of acquiring Greenland, emphasizing strong U.S.-Denmark ties.
Some Republicans prefer considering other measures, like a War Powers resolution, over impeachment.
European countries have reacted by sending troops to Greenland.
President Trump announced new tariffs on European countries.
The son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine after the recent election results declared Museveni the winner. Bobi Wine, who disputes the election results, claims he has evidence of election fraud and is currently in hiding.
Key Facts
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was recently declared the winner of his seventh term as president.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, threatened Bobi Wine, an opposition leader in Uganda.
Bobi Wine, a former singer, alleges election fraud and has been in hiding since the election.
Kainerugaba has made threats against Wine online, calling him a "terrorist."
Uganda's army has denied accusations of raiding Bobi Wine's home or attempting to capture him.
Bobi Wine claims his home is unsafe and accuses the government of intimidation.
The Ugandan Electoral Commission has not responded to fraud allegations.
Bobi Wine asserts that speaking out is why he is not at home, as his safety is not guaranteed there.
A video from a dog daycare in New Zealand shows a golden retriever named Sam recognizing a familiar employee using his sense of smell. The video, shared on Instagram, highlights the special bond Sam shares with his favorite human at the daycare.
Key Facts
The dog in the video is a golden retriever named Sam.
Sam attends Duke’s Dog Daycare in New Zealand regularly.
Dogs use their sense of smell to recognize familiar people.
Sam recognized his "favorite human" at the daycare by scent.
The video was posted on Instagram on January 4.
Over 68,500 people have viewed the video on Instagram.
Federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas to Minnesota officials in an investigation into whether they obstructed federal immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Officials, including Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey, have criticized the investigation, claiming it is politically motivated. The probe is examining possible violations related to cooperation with federal immigration officers.
Key Facts
Six subpoenas were sent to Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
The investigation looks into whether public statements by officials hindered federal immigration enforcement.
The officials involved say the investigation aims to intimidate and suppress political opposition.
The subpoenas demand records showing cooperation or lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The Justice Department argues that Minnesota's lawsuit to stop the immigration operations is without legal merit.
Federal law takes precedence over state law in immigration matters, and the President can allocate resources for enforcement.
Over 10,000 people were arrested in Minnesota as part of the immigration crackdown in the past year.
The operation, called "Operation Metro Surge," resulted in the arrest of 3,000 serious offenders in recent weeks.
Syria's new government and Kurdish forces have reached an agreement that brings Kurdish-controlled areas back under Syrian state control. This decision follows military gains by the Syrian government's forces, which forced the Kurds to agree to terms favorable to Damascus.
Key Facts
Bashar al-Assad left Syria's leadership in December 2024, and a new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa now rules.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-supported Kurdish-led militia, previously controlled parts of northern and eastern Syria.
Sharaa's forces reclaimed territories from the SDF, including important resources like oil fields and gas facilities.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to integrate the Kurdish-led areas back into the Syrian state under pressure.
President Donald Trump's administration attempted to mediate between the Syrian government and the SDF.
The agreement means Kurdish fighters will join the Syrian army, and the Syrian government will control key resources.
Despite some local autonomy in Kurdish regions, the agreement heavily favors the Syrian state's authority.
U.S. forces seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean. This action is part of President Trump's effort to enforce sanctions against Venezuela.
Key Facts
U.S. Southern Command posted a video of the seizure on social media.
The oil tanker is named the Motor Vessel Sagitta.
The seizure happened without any incident.
The tanker's operations were in defiance of U.S. sanctions.
These sanctions are part of the U.S. quarantine on certain Venezuelan vessels.
This marks the seventh oil tanker seized by the U.S. connected to Venezuela.
The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) is taking place in Qatar. The event features security and defence companies from several countries. Attendees are discussing maritime security issues amidst regional tensions.
Key Facts
DIMDEX 2026 is being held in Doha, Qatar.
The event includes security and defence companies from around the world.
Technologies showcased include naval shipbuilding, counterpiracy, and communications systems.
Countries like Turkiye, the USA, Italy, Germany, the UK, Spain, and France are represented.
The exhibition features the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC).
MENC focuses on defence diplomacy and maritime security challenges.
Last year, Iran launched a missile at a Qatari base hosting US troops, escalating regional tensions.
The attack emphasized fears of potential escalations affecting Gulf states and maritime routes.
